"SOLDIERS: When, after two months of generous efforts, perfect self-devotion, labor and fatigue, we thought we had completed the work of crushing the revolutionary invasion of our country, there arrived the regular army of a friendly sovereign, which, by threatening our line of retreat, has obliged us to abandon our position. Happen what may from these events, the whole of Europe, in estimating and judging them, will not be able to do less than admit the valor and fidelity of a handful of brave men, who, resisting the perfidious seduction, as well as the strength of two armies, have not only made resistance, but have once more rendered illustrious the history of the Neapolitan army by the names of Santa Maria, Cajazzo, Trifisco, Sant' Angelo, etc. These facts will remain indelibly graven on my heart. To perpetuate the remembrance of them, a bronze medal will be struck, bearing the legend, 'Campaign of September and October, 1860,' and these words on the reverse, 'Santa Maria, Cajazzo, Trifisco, Sant' Angelo,' etc. The medal will be suspended by a blue and red ribbon. While ornamenting your noble breasts, it will remind every one of your fidelity and your valor, which will always be a claim to glory for those who shall bear your name. "FRANCIS II." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XVIII. "Though soft the couch on which oppressors lie, A harder fate will meet them ere they die."— _MS._ "Then Fingal eyed his valiant chiefs; His valiant chiefs replied; The storm of battle roar'd again, And Lochlin fled, or died. "Never did joy o'er fallen foe Upon my face appear But I the feeble sav'd—the proud Found that my rage was fire." _Ossian versified._ T. D. THE ROYAL PALACE AND GARDENS OF CASERTA—CHANGE OF TIMES—THE RIVER VOLTURNO—POSITIONS OF THE KING'S TROOPS AND GARIBALDI'S—THE BATTLE OF VOLTURNO. Before we return to scenes of battle, we must stop to survey the splendid and luxurious retreat of the King of Naples, where Garibaldi had now established his head-quarters.